"Increased Investment on Infrastructure, Energy will Pave Way for Nigeria Economic Dependence" - Mogaji Adanla

An Ibadan-based industrialist, Alhaji (Engr.) Abduljeleel Adekunle Abdulkareeem, has identified increased investment in infrastructure and power as a means for Nigeria to attain economic dependence. 

Alhaji Abulkareem made the submission in the lecture he delivered at the First Edition of the Big 2026 October Lecture, organised by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan Zonal Station. 

Speaking on the theme of the event, "Nigeria at 66: From Political Independence to Economic Independence, What Must We do Differently?," Alhaji Abdulkareeem, who is also the Mogaji Adanla in Ibadan and Turaki Adeen of Oyo State, stated that attention should be paid to factors that would make small scale businesses operate in a conducive environment and thrive.

According to him, if government made provisions for infrastructures and power, this would attract investors to invest in Nigerian economy by establishing industries which in turn would provide job opportunities for Nigerians.

The renowned Engineer also decried situations where companies owned by foreign nationals employ Nigerians as casual workers and treat them as slaves in their own fatherland, hence his call on Nigerian government to stop the practise by ensuring that those who work in such companies get dignity for their labour.

Alhaji Abdulkareeem also clamoured for the use of cleaner energy, calling on government to be intentional and have political will to transform power supply in the country to cleaner energy. 

He said aside the fact that cleaner energy is economical, it is eco-friendly and safe for human health.

He expressed optimism that 'Nigeria that works' was possible if all Nigerians were patriotic. 

While commending the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its strides in the provisions of infrastructures across the country, Alhaji Abdulkareeem wanted Nigerians to own developmental projects in their respective domains by protecting them.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Pastor Olufemi Fulani, appealed to the governments at all levels to translate our political freedom into economic prosperity, productive capacity and improved living standards for Nigerians, calling on citizens as well to have "commitments, actionable ideas, and measurable steps that can make a real difference in our communities and our economy."

"I call on our policymakers, business leaders, development partners, academics, and citizens to rise above business as usual. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where our resources create wealth, our industries generate employment, our young people find opportunities, and our independence is reflected in the economic well-being of our people.

The future of Nigeria will not be determined by what we discuss here today, but by what we choose to do differently from tomorrow," he submitted.

Pastor Fulani reiterated that Radio Nigeria was committed to using "the power of credible broadcasting to inform, educate, hold constructive conversations, amplify practical solutions, and sustain public engagement on the issues that matter to our nation's development."